What do you charge to build a Website?

The short answer is it depends.

Since, I do custom design work for clients as well as template customization.  Everyone needs something different & I will work with you to develop your Website in accordance with you desires and needs. Recognizing the uniqueness of every client makes this a hard question to answer without knowing a little more about you.

My hourly rate is $100 per hour.

OK, so what do i charge to develop a Website?

I'm just like a mechanic the more you have me do .... the more it costs..... but remember you get what you pay for!

For a simple template conversion of an HTML Website I would charge: the cost of the template plus 25%, plus hosting, plus $100 per hour to get the work done.  These template conversions usually go very quickly, if you write your copy and supply any pictures or images you want to include without modifying the template. I have done these for as little as $200 for site construction and $10 per month for hosting.

My preference is to utilize a content management system (CMS) such as Joomla or WordPress because it enables my clients to do most updates to their own sites without being forced to learn code. This saves a lot of money in the long run.

Typically I charge: (less customization means less, more customization means more)

•    $800 to create a static HTML Site of 5 Pages - additional pages are $100 each. ... there is a reason most folks choose to use WordPress.....
•    $800 & up to set up and install a blog (Usually WordPress)
•    $800 & up to set up and install a forum
•    $800 & up to  set up and install PHPLD (A nice Directory CMS)
•    $800 to set up and install Noah's Classifieds
•    $200 to set up a RSS feed reader *you may have to purchase your source data from a third party. 
•    $1500 install and Customize Joomla
•    $2,500 for a very simple os-commerce site

The more complex sites is the more costs go up. The more addons and plugins required also increase the cost.

Other costs that you may incur (but are not typical) are photography, buying images, logo design, software license fees, etc....

OK, do you provide estimates?

Yes, I do.

I will give you a free quote with my best estimate of what a specific job will cost.  Barring any unforeseen problems I usually come in right on the money or a little under (no promises, but I try).  But I do promise that if something is complicating you job and it is going to cost more money I will get your permission in writing (usually via email) before doing the work. This is a rare occurrence though.

OK, so you have my quote and we agree on a price, what next?

Well the first thing we will do is sign a letter of agreement which spells out what you expect me to provide and what it will cost.

Next, you write me a check for 50% of the agreed upon total.

Next, I develop your site through the template stage.

Next, you review your site & if you agree that is what we agreed to then you pay me the next installment of 25%.

Next, I will upload your site to the host of your choice.

Next, we will live test the site for a couple of days to see that it works like expected live on the internet. If something does not work it gets fixed now.

Next, I will "publish" your site so that the search engines can find it.

Next, You write me a check for the final 25% installment.

Wait! Do you ever have any specials or deals?

I almost never advertise any specials but I do cut people deals from time to time. The best advice to get a special price is to be a polite likeable person & ask me for one! I may or may not be in a position to offer one but if I am swamped with work and you want a cut rate on a webby .... you might have to wait until my workload slows down. Of course my goal is to stay busy, but it never hurts to ask! On the other hand, if I am not busy you are far more likely to get offered a deal!